30 answers
31
Asked 9340 views

What inspired you to become and engineer or another STEM related career?

#engineering #stem #material-engineering #stemcareers #electrical-engineering #chemical-engineering

engineering stem electrical-engineering chemical-engineering stemcareers material-engineering
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
31

30 answers

2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cecilia’s Answer

What inspired me was being able to offer solutions to problems and being able to make an impact by putting my knowledge into practice. Being curious and wanting to better understand how things work while findings ways to optimize and make it better I think was also part of what drove me. There are also so many opportunities in STEM and the fact that it is constantly evolving makes it the more interesting to me.
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mike’s Answer

Hello!

For me, it was trying it, liking it, and then realizing that I had a talent for it. I found it to be something that I was naturally good at.
I need to thank my Mother for this discovery, as it was her who let me play with & program an Apple IIe at her job using the BASIC programming language. I also did a lot of research and reading on the topic of Software Engineering, which led me further down paths of interest which, to this day, still positively impact my career.
With STEM, there is infinite amount of opportunity. Hopefully you can make a decision as to which avenues interest you more than others, and then pursue them with passion, and your path will reveal itself.
One thing that I am seeing much of and have been involved with is the STEM Robotics Team at my local high school. It is amazing to me how many opportunities that the program presents to students, and it's flexible enough to allow them to decide which areas of interest are best for them. They can try multiple areas and then stick with the ones they excel in the most.
If you have not already tried a STEM Robotics Team, I would highly recommend it. Often times, if your school does not offer one, other schools in your area/region may allow you to join up as a team member.
Good luck in your endeavors!
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

John’s Answer

For me, it was probably growing up playing video games and building computers in the 90's as a teen. Also, I did some career research that STEM careers were more secure in the future. With that said, I went for a bachelor's of science in Management Information Systems from UCF. They no longer have that degree due to budget constraints about 10 years ago. However, it is still very relevant today. I would say if you could, find a college that has a similar degree like Computer and Information Systems, or MIS online. You will learn the best of both worlds, e.g. Information Technology and Business. Those that can master those two, are very valuable. In recent years, Healthcare has been a win-win combined with those other skills.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rosalind’s Answer

I went into Computer science because it was fun, and would be a place of continuous learning. I have stayed for the same reason. You need to pick something you will enjoy doing for a long time. It does not mean that every day will be fun, but it does mean that you need to enjoy what you do. Computers have gone through major changes over the years and will continue to change. No matter what field you end up going into, computers will be part of it.

I would recommend learning enough about computers to be comfortable with working with them, programming to some level, and understand what they are good at, and what they are not good for.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Wayne’s Answer

Hi Jack. I decided to become an engineer because I've always been drawn to technology. I also like creating things and being an engineer allows me to do both and also work at a job I enjoy in a field that helps our society.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Shawn’s Answer

For me, it was all about curiosity. What does this mean? I always wondered what made machines tick and how to improve them which resulted in my tearing down broken hair dryers, lawn mowers, etc.

I know for others it was coding or building structures, etc.

Identify what you are truly curious about and there lies your profession.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richie’s Answer

I've gone into aerospace engineering and decided on that path because I've initially wanted to design aircraft and spacecraft. It really helped that I had a curiosity for math and science. A strong want to create and solve complex problems has been one reason that I decided to study engineering.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Glenn’s Answer

Howdy! My inspiration for pursing a career in Engineering was rooted in two very simple facts: (1) I loved watching airplanes take off and land, and (2) I always wondered how it worked. Simply put, I let my childlike amazement of aircrafts and problem solving direct my path in life.

Seek to find something you are passionate about. STEM-related fields offer so many different avenues and paths to travel down. Do what interests you. Do what brings you childlike joy.

Good Luck!
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Arushi’s Answer

I wanted to do engineering because I really liked math and related concepts, and enjoyed the little exposure I got with computers in school. I found it really fascinating that code can automate so many tasks. While I wasn’t sure which engineering to do at first, when I started coding I really liked it and went on to pursue the major and become a Software Engineer.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rory’s Answer

I just wanted to do cool stuff that positively impact people, and I really liked math and physics in high school, so the choice was obvious for me.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michel’s Answer

I started Engineering as I was fascinated by robotics, and robots and automation. I think one of the things that stuck in my head was the robot they used to explore the pyramids. I was also very bright in Mathematics and naively I thought that meant I would join an Engineering school. I majored in Mechatronics and Automation but I did not work in the field honestly.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cynthia’s Answer

I was reading the answers, and I have a different story. I really enjoyed math, that is what I knew at the moment. I majored in Computer Science with no programming background. However, what drew me to try was the capability of problem solving, and that was what made me stay. I really enjoyed looking into a problem from different sides and look for the best solution, and one you had it, how can you make it better.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Patricia’s Answer

Hi,

If you are still a student, see if your school has any association with companies looking for co-ops or interns. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door. Working with a recruiter is another good avenue.

Best of luck.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andersen’s Answer

Hello Jack,

For me, it is a joint effort of my personality, the effort I put while pursuing engineering degrees, and the first couple of professional experiences before graduation. I was lucky enough to identify my gift to become an engineer when I was a student. I believe that people around me think I am organized, disciplined, and focused, which are all good traits to become an engineer. Besides, during my years of study and work as a student, I learned to think critically and be collaborate with other professionals on several projects that made a difference which over time became my motivation and passion for dedicating myself to a career as an engineer.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Praful’s Answer

Having a passion for Engineering that motivated to learn computer engineering
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sarah’s Answer

In my experience, engineers love to solve problems. Curiosity and teamwork are important for engineers and scientists working in many fields and what I personally like about STEM is that there are jobs in almost every area of life - so for example, if you are passionate about music, you could look at sound engineering, if you love cars, there is automotive engineering and if you are into fashion then there are lot of STEM jobs in design and manufacturing. We expect to see more and more jobs relating to climate/clean energy, cyber and personalized medicine, all of which will need engineering and other STEM skills.

My personal inspiration was perhaps unusual - I wanted to be a dancer but that wasn't working out so I took science and maths to prove I could do something different. I didn't enjoy them at school but a teacher at college told us how she used to work for a fruit cordial company making sure that the drink tasted the same, even though the fruit harvest varied each year. That was the point when I realized that STEM skills could be applied to solve real-life problems and that was eventually why I applied to work at 3M who "apply science to life". My background is in chemistry, but I ended up in Engineering through the management route. Engineering careers are pretty varied and whilst you can't go wrong with an Engineering degree, in my opinion, there are also lots of other routes in and Engineering is often combined with another field so you can find passion it that too.

If you would like to hear more about my story and why I think we need more ordinary STEM role models, please watch my TEDx talk on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mulAuJFcxQQ.

Thanks and good luck to anyone reading this post who is considering a STEM career - it's a brilliant choice with great job prospects and a lot of different options to pursue your passions.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Shawn’s Answer

I went into Mechanical Engineering and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees., because I really enjoy designing and solving failure of machinery problems.

To be able to finish any degree, one has to be driven to do so. Drive is an internal force coming from what you really like and want to do, not from an anticipated size of paycheck. Life is miserable when you are just chasing a bigger paycheck and not doing something you enjoy. I know a number of Engineering graduates that realized in the final semester they were only chasing a larger paycheck and not what was enjoyable for them. Needless to say, they wasted their education dollars and years on something that in the end would be meaningless for them.

So, whatever field you choose to pursue make sure it’s for the right reason.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Elda’s Answer

I was supported in this journey by a high school chemistry teacher. Sophomore year in high school she sponsored me for a program at a local university. This hands-on program provided opportunity to experience several different types of engineering. At college, I connected with the Dean of Engineering who encouraged me to continue my education to get a master's degree in chemical engineering. God bless good educators who give of themselves for the success of their students.

Elda recommends the following next steps:

Define what areas you live - this could be your current hobbies (where do you spend your free time).
Talk to your favorite teacher. He or she may be able to connect you to others in the community.
Do some research - what types of jobs or activity is going on in your area you are interested in (from above).
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Leland’s Answer

Hi Jack,

For me, I ended up choosing to become an engineer because I enjoyed math and science. My dad was also an engineer, so I had a bit of knowledge on whether I would like the field or not.

As for determining what discipline to go into, I ended up choosing chemical engineering due to my Chemistry teacher in high school. He made the subject interesting, and gave me tools to explore the science. He was definitely a big influence for my college degree choice.

Good luck in whichever degree you decide to pursue!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Alex’s Answer

For me it was a bit natural as I found math and physics very interesting and rewarding. Always liked solving math puzzles and found really interesting that things in nature could be modeled through math and their outcome could be accurately predicted using formulas. Also understanding how things worked and how you could think of ways to get the same results using different solutions or making improvements to existing systems or making them more efficient. Often I would lose track of time because I was so interested and engaged on what I was reading or trying to solve. That's when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in Engineering
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tyler’s Answer

I wanted a career that allowed me to do different things all the time, not be tied to a desk, challenged me and also paid well. Engineering can offer all of these and so much more. If you want to be successful in this field, make sure you have an attention for detail, an inquisitive nature and don't mind ambiguity.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer

Having a passion for learning new things and figuring out how everything works. I grew up on a farm and that helped me by teaching me how to fix things with what is available. You end up being creative that way. It also helps to push yourself in math and science in school.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Derin’s Answer

I honestly grew up loving technology, mostly because of video games. This naturally led to me wanting to learn how computers and games are made and how they work. I took all the computer classes I could as a kid and also was lucky enough to take a few programming classes in high school. I initially went into mechanical engineering because of my love for cars but I soon realized Tech was more future-proof after talking to a few professional mechanical engineers and software engineers. Switching to Tech was an easy decision as it is a field that I love and was more future-proof than most other roles I considered. Now that I am a working professional, what inspires me is definitely improving my superpower of building something that starts out as an idea.

Derin recommends the following next steps:

Be curious, learn how the things you love using are made!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Doan’s Answer

I went into the computer science field because I like solving problems and being creative. Developing solutions using computer languages has constantly evolved over the years and continues to provide challenges that I find interesting even though I’ve been in this field for over 25 years.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michael’s Answer

Hi Jack - I was drawn to engineering in part as I have a lot of family members who are/were engineers, and the work they did sounded very interesting. It also helped that I was very interested in math/science/technology during high school, and found that engineering education offered the opportunity to further develop my skillset in an applied field (vs. theoretical).
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rohail’s Answer

Hi Jack,

Great question. My reasoning for becoming an engineer came from a practical point-of-view, but it morphed as I studied engineering. I was always in love with Chemistry and Math in high school and I thought maybe instead of studying either of those, I can go into Chemical Engineering, which was a common denominator between the two. Note my surprise when I started university and learned that there was no chemistry in Chemical Engineering! It was mostly concerning chemical processes and how chemistry concepts are applied in the industry.

However, as I studied through school, another aspect of engineering emerged. This was surrounding how well engineering prepares you with the skills you need to succeed in many aspects of life.
1) It teaches you how to think critically, so that whatever challenge you face, you are able to break it down into its components and tackle it effectively.
2) It teaches you how to work in a team, given most of all the work you do is in team settings so you learn to work with and manage different personalities so that you can deliver you work
3) It teaches you to thrive under pressure, through its high courseload, project work and exam schedules.

All these put together turn you into a highly versatile and capable individual and it opens a lot of doors for you. This is the reason most industries now prefer to hire engineers over other traditional majors because they have already been through the ringer in university. This also means that you can always leave engineering after you complete it and follow another passion, knowing the skills you have picked up will continue to come in handy for you.

Hope this helps!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Diarmait’s Answer

Because I was curious as to how the world works, I started to read into popular science books and magazines like National Geographic, New Scientist and Scientific American. I started with general science degree and majored in Geology, worked as a geologist for two years and switched to IT and then management.

In all cases driven by a curiosity on what makes things, and then laterly teams work.

I think that was the key driver, curiosity and a questioning mindset.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Daniel’s Answer

Technology provides tremendous career opportunities. Most people use technology, but knowing how it works is a powerful tool for you to advance towards your personal goals.
Thank you comment icon Hi Daniel, can you elaborate on what made you join a STEM related career? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Douglas’s Answer

I am 43 years old, started college in 1996 and got my first major degree in 1999... I have to admit that I was not influenced by any STEM motivation people get nowadays. I started "playing" with computers when I was 8 years old when my mother gave me my first computer (TK85, ZX81 clone), back then I would buy magazines with source code of games, type it, run it and then started to change it. Later I started writing my own games and that just took off from there. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones who did not need to think about it that hard, it just happened. My mother says the first time she asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I replied "a scientist." I would disassemble my toys and put them together in different ways, including electronics and electric engines. I was curious and had family support and motivation to carry on. I usually "work" overtime, not because I am late, but because I really like what I do, so basically I have a mixed hobby and profession. Bottom line is "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." (anonymous)
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mickael’s Answer

Hi !

This is because I liked it since young age. Building things, understanding things... Making things to make life less hard. As I grew up, the career kind of presented itself. I wanted to be electric engineer and realized that either my mind could not understand an electric circuit or electricity did not like me, so switch a little to computer.
But really:
- love science
- love maths
- love technology
- want to make things so that humanity lives better.
It's all what makes me go in STEM and engineering.
0